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When Christian Writers Turn Evil

Susan Downs, the Heartsong Presents Mystery editor, posted this last week on The Edit Cafe.Â What a great perspective.A week and a half from now, members of the American Christian Fiction Writers organization (ACFW) will converge on Minneapolis for their annual conference. As the conference draws nigh, I’m beginning to sense more than a bit of nervousness from some authors as they prepare to attend the conference:
“How many books should I bring for the big Mall of America booksigning?”
“What if nobody even talks to me?”
“Have I scheduled an appointment with the right editor?”
“Who is teaching the course that would most benefit my career at this point?”
“Am I kidding myself by thinking I’m ready for something like this.”
“Who? . . . What? . . . When? . . . Where? . . . Why? . . . How. . .”

Worry seems to be the theme for a few ACFW members at this point in pre-conference preparations.

I have one simple word of advice for those of you who are tempted to fret. Don’t! Determine to enjoy every minute of your conference experience and leave all those “What ifs” and other anxieties about your writing career in the Lord’s hands.

The 37th Psalm gives some great advice for life in general, but whenever I’m tempted to fret, this scripture always comes to mind. “Do not fret–it leads only to evil.”

When we fret, we aren’t trusting. When we fret, we are in essence saying that the Lord isn’t capable of working the situation out for the good of those who love Him. When we fret enough, we start to scheme and plot and manipulate the situation and think only of OUR OWN needs and not the needs of others. Our focus turns inward.

So, for those of you who are in the frantic stage of conference preparation, breathe deep. Trust that your life–including your writing career–is in HIS hands. Let’s have a GREAT time together in Minneapolis. I can’t wait to see you there!